Circle maker apparatus

ABSTRACT

This invention is a marking device including a main support body; clamp members connected through connector means to the support body; and marking means mounted within the respective clamp members whereupon the marking means are readily adjustable relative to each other and securely anchored in a selected position and operable to inscribe circles and the like. More particularly, this invention relates to a circle maker apparatus having marking means adjustable connected to a support body structure and the marking means may be interchanged with various ones thereof for the desired function. This invention also relates to a marking device having cooperating clamp members holding a new and novel stylus in the proper relationship for proper usage.

U Umted States Patent 1151 3,683,505

Graef 1451 Aug. 15, 1972 CIRCLE MAKER APPARATUS 72 In t Arnold R. 21 o N. Ri rs 1 Blvd gg g g Assistant Examiner-Charles E. Phillips Attorney-Phillip A. Rein [22] Filed: Oct. 23, 1970 21 Appl. No.: 83,274 [57] ABSTRACT This invention is a marking device including a main Remed Application Data support body; clamp members connected through [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 803,593, conned means Support P and marking March 3, 1969, Pat. No. 3,537,181. means mounted within the respective clamp members whereupon the marking means are readily adjustable 521 user ..33/27 B, 33/149H relative to each other afld Securely anchored in a 51 Int. Cl. .34319/20 Selected P and Operable inscribe circles and [58] Field of Search ..33/27 148 149 52 the like Mm Particularly invemim relates a circle maker apparatus having marking means adjusta- [56] Referenm cued ble connected to a support body structure and the marking means may be interchanged with various ones UNITED STATES PATENTS thereof for the desired function. This invention also relates to a marking device having cooperating clamp members holding a new and novel stylus in the proper l f 3,145,473 8/1964 Leach ..33l27B mpmperusage 3,100,938 8/1963 Meyer ..33/27 B 7 Clains, 10 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 15, 1972 3,683,505

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR- ARNOLD R. GRAEF P/Mm ATTOR Patented Aug. 15; 1972 3,683,505

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

ARNOLD R. GRAEF ATTORNEY CIRCLE MAKER APPARATUS This application is a continuation-in-part application of applicants co-pending invention entitled Circle Maker Apparatus, filed Mar. 3, 1969, Ser. No. 803,593, now US. Pat. No. 3,537,181, inventor Arnold R. Graef.

Numerous types of structures known to the prior art are operable to inscribe circles about a given stationary point. In fact, the conventional drawing compass is hinged at the apex and the securing of a pointed tip and a marking instrument, such as a pencil, at two different locations necessitates a relatively complex mechanism. The conventional compass structures available in the prior art are relatively economical but have numerous dr'aw backs as the upper connecting apex area readily loosens with no means of tightening. It is obvious that a conventional compass cannot be used if the stationary and movable points are not maintained in a predetermined spacing during its usage. Also, in the prior art the marking element is held through a hinge structure which is weak and quickly becomes inoperative. In

.' other words, the marking element not only has to be held at the same lateral spacing during its usage but also cannot be allowed to be moved axially within the hinge structure as such would destroy the function of inscribing a circle. Also, the prior art compass structures are provided with a very sharp, longsteel tip or point and such is not readily conveyed by one without injury or damage and cannot be disassembled for ease of conveyance.

In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a circle maker apparatus is provided including a main support body; a pair of clamp members secured to the support body through connector means; and marking means readily connected to the clamp members and adjustable relative to the support body. The support body is preferrably of a disc structure constructed of a sheet material having a central hole adapted to receive the connector means therethrough. The clamp members each includes a support body having a centrally positioned hole to receive the connector means therethrough. One end of each clamp member is provided with a laterally extended V-shaped anchor section to receive the marking means therein for clamping against the support body. The connector means includes a bolt member inserted through the aligned holes in the clamp members and the support body having a lock washer placed against the outer head of the bolt member and a wing nut threadably mounted upon the opposite end thereof. It is noted that on connecting the clamp members to the support body, the V-shaped anchor section has its open portion facing the support body for reasons to become obvious. The marking means has various embodiments and may be a pair of wooden pencil members, each extended longitudinally within respective ones of the V-shaped anchor sections of the clamp members. Thereupon, it is seen that rotation of the wing nut upon the bolt member operates to securely clamp the pencil members against the support body in a given position. Also, the marking means may be a mechanical pencil structure, a ball point member, a steel stylus member, or a tip holder structure for holding chalk and rubber members.

In another embodiment of this invention, a circle maker apparatus is provided including a pair of cooperating circular clamp members having a marking means and stylus clamped therebetween by the connector means. The stylus is of an irregular design so as to be properly positioned angularly and axially between the clamp members for proper use of a marking indicia on one of the clamp members to draw predetemtined diameter circles.

One object of this invention is to provide a circle maker apparatus or compass type structure overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art devices.

Still, one further object of this invention is to provide a circle maker apparatus having a main support body and marking means readily attachable to the support body by connector means so that the marking means may be positioned in a secure manner in any desired relationship for inscribing circles of various sizes.

Another object of this invention is to provide a circle maker apparatus readily adjustable and operable to easily secure marking means in desired axial and lateral positions relative to each other.

One further object of this invention is to provide a circle maker apparatus which is economical to manufacture, solidly constructed, easily adjustable, and provided with numerous safety features for ease of conveyance and usage.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a circle maker apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of another embodiment of the circle maker apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the circle maker apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a tip holder structure of the circle maker apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates astylus having a steel tip of the circle maker apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a circle maker apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view illustrating the third embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view showing the features of the stylus of FIG. 10; and

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a circle maker apparatus of this invention.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the new circle maker apparatus of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail and particularly FIG. 1, a circle maker apparatus of this invention, indicated generally at 12, is illustrated as used to have a portion anchored in one position with the other portion rotatable thereabout to inscribe a circle.

The circle maker apparatus 12 includes a main support body 16; a pair of clamp members 18 and 20 positioned against opposite sides of the support body 16; connector means operably engagable with the clamp members 18 and 20 to secure the same against the support body 16; and marking means 24 mounted within the clamp members 18 and 20 for reasons to become obvious. The support body 16 is of a generally circular sheet metal construction resembling a disc member and having a central connector hole 26 therethrough.

As each of the clamp members 18 and 20 are substantially identical, only one need be described in detail. The clamp member 18 is provided with a main body section 28 with an outer end formed with an arcuate curved connector section 31. The body section 28 is extended in a substantially common plane having a hole 33 therein to receive the connector means as will be explained. The outer connector section 31 is of an arcuate shape preferrably of a V-shape having its open portion thereof placed against the support body 16 when assembled. Additionally, the clamp member 18 is provided with parallel longitudinal ridge portions 34 which add rigidity thereto.

The connector means includes a bolt member 36 mountable through the aligned holes 26 and 33 respectively in the clamp members 18 and 20 and the support body 16; a lock washer member 38 to engage a head portion 39 of the bolt member 36 and the outer surface of the clamp member 18; and a wing nut member 42 threadably mounted upon the bolt member 36 and engagable with the outer surface of the other clamp member 20 for securing the same in the assembled condition.

As shown in FIG. 3 the marking means 24 includes a pair of wooden pencil members 44 and 46, each having a pointed tip section 48 thereon. The pencil members 44 and 46 are readily mountable against opposite sides of the support body 16 and held thereagainst in a clamped relationship by the clamp members 18 and 20, respectively, within the V-shaped connector sections 31.

In an additional embodiment of the marking means 24, it is seen that a cap member 47 is provided readily mountable over the pointed tip section 48 of one of the pencil members 44 and 46. The cap member 47 is provided with a hardened tip portion 51 so that the same is engagable with the surface being marked, usable as the stationary point for subscribing a circle with the marker apparatus 12 of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 4, the marking means 24 also includes chalk and ribber tip holder member 53 adapted to 'releasably receive, for example, a chalk member 54 therein so that the circle maker apparatus 12 may be used for marking circles upon a blackboard or the like. In FIG. is shown a ball point pen member 56 of the marking means 24 whereupon the same can be readily substituted for one of the pencil members 44 and 46 as desired. Additionally, the pen member 56 can have a sharpened end portion 59 for ease in inscribing circles as will be explained.

In the use and operation of the circle maker apparatus 12 of this invention, it is obvious that a select one of the marking means 24 may be readily mounted within the clamp members 18 and to anchor the same in a desired position. Assuming the use of the pencil members 44 and 46, it is seen that the same is attached by the clamp members 18 and 20 and tightened through the use of the connector means. In order to vary the size of the circle to be inscribed, it is obvious that the wing nut member 42 may be loosened whereupon the respective clamp members 18 and 20 and interconnected pencil members 44 and 46 may be rotated about the bolt member 36 to achieve the desired spacing therefrom for the size of circle to be inscribed. Additionally, it is obvious that the pencil members 44 and 46 may be moved axially within respective ones of the clamp members 18 and 20 to achieve the desired length. Next, it is obvious that the wing nut member 42 may be tightened on the bolt member 36 so as to achieve a clamping of the pencil members 44 and 46 between the support body 16 and the respective clamp members 18 and 20 so that the same is rigid and nonmoveable. Thereupon, a circle can be inscribed with complete accuracy from this now rigid structure.

In certain instances, it may be desirable to use the cap member 47 placed over one of the pencil members 44 and 46 to achieve a firmer anchor on the surface to which the circle is being inscribed. Also, it is seen that the cap member 47 operates to cover the pointed tip section 48 of the pencil member 46 and the same may be moved to the other pencil member 44 when it becomes dull so as to have a dual source of pencil lead supply.

Also, it is obvious that the tip holder member may be usable to hold the chalk member 54 or an eraser therewithin so as to use the apparatus 12 for drawing circles on blackboards in a conventional manner but having superior performence to those structures available in the art. Additionally, it is also noted that the marking means 12 can use the ball point pen member 56 or an overhead projector pen similar to the pencil members 44 and 46.

As shown in FIG. 2, another embodiment includes a circle maker apparatus having a pair of support bodies 16 in abutting relationship. This embodiment is desirable in that the clamp members 18 and 20 can be held in a permanent position on respective ones of the support bodies 16 with the mating wear surfaces hidden from view.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a third embodiment of this invention is a circle maker apparatus 61 utilizing a pair of clamp members 63 held together through a connector means 65 and having a marking means 67 clamped therebetween. Each clamp member 63 is of a generally circular shape having a central square opening 68 and an off-set radially positioned hole 69 thereon. One edge of each clamp member 63 is provided with a arcuate chordal anchor section 71 adapted to hold one of the marking means 67 therewithin. Additionally, the central square opening 68 is adapted to receive the connector means 65 therewithin so as to turn as a joint unit as will be seen.

The connector means 65 includes a bolt member 73 having a washer 75 and a knurled nut member 76 mounted thereon. The bolt member 73 has a generally circular head withan off-set square shoulder portion 78 to fit in the square opening 68 in one of the clamp members 63. The washer 75 is preferrably of a plastic material so as to receive the knurled nut member 76 thereagainst and prevent damage to the abutting clamp member 63.

The marking means 67 includes a conventional scribe member 81 such as a pencil and a specially designed stylus member 83 adapted to be clamped against adjacent ones of the clamp members 63 in the position shown in FIG. 6. The stylus member 83 includes an elongated bottom section having a tapered end section 84 formed therewithin with a pointed steel tip 86.

More particularly, the stylus member 83 is formed of an elongated top-section, 88 with a knob 89 on one end and an angular mid-section connecting the top-section with the bottom-section. The angular mid-section having a flat section 92 on one side and a curved section 93 on the other with a thickness equal to the the top section 88. The curved section 93 fits within one of the anchor sections 71 or a clamp member 63 and the flat section 92 fits against the other clarnp member 63. The mid-section has the outer periphery formed on a radius equal to that of the clamp members 63 having a shoulder portion as indicated at 94 so as to be held against axial movement by the clamp members 63. An arrow indicia indicated at 96 is formed adjacent the mid-section for reasons to be explained.

It is noted in FIG. 9 that the center line of the pencil member 81 and the stylus member 83 will move in parallel planes, respectively, separated by the distance x. The purpose and function of the angular mid-section is to angle the clamped stylus member 83 to place the outermost pointed tip 86 in the same plane as the center line of the pencil member 81. The angular deflection required indicated at Q is a function of the following:

R radius of the stylus R radius of the pencil L length from point of pivot to pointed tip of stylus Q angle of inclination need to place pointed tip in plane of pencil center line Sin Q (x/L) Assume use 0.250 foot diameter pencil and stylus with a 5-inch long stylus Q 2 52 The shorter the stylus the greater the angle and visa versa.

In a fourth embodiment of this invention as shown in the circle maker apparatus 101 of FIG. 10, the substantially identical clamp members 63 as before are in a clamped relationship through the connector means 65 having the markings means 67 separated by a support body 103. The support body 103 is of a generally circular shape similar to the clamp members 63 having a central hole 105 to receive the connector means 65 and a plurality of spaced holes 107 operable to be aligned with the radial holes 69 in the clamp members 63 so as to connect the same to a clip board or the like. The marking means 67 includes the previously described pencil member 81 and stylus member 83.

The use of the support body 103 makes a slight difference in calculation of angle Q as the thickness A of the support body 103 must be considered.

5-inch long stylus and a support body thickness of 0.040.

Sin Q=(O.290/5.000) 0.0580

It is to be noted that the required angular deflection may also be obtained by bending of the clamp member 63 holding the stylus member 83 the necessary angle Q.

In the use and operation of the third embodiment of the circle maker apparatus 61 of this invention, it is seen that at least one of the outer most clamp members 63 is provided with a circle size indicia 108 about a peripherial edge 109 to indicate when aligned with the arrow indicia 96 on the stylus member 83, the diameter of the circle to be drawn therewithin. More particularly, it is seen that the off-set relationship of the midsection of the stylus member 83 with the center line of the pencil member 81 operates when placed in the abutting relationship to have the tips in the same planes to achieve an accurate reading from the circle indicia 108 on the clamp member 63.

In the use and operation of the third and fourth embodiments of the circle maker apparatus of this invention, the operation is substantially identical to the first embodiment except having a new and novel stylus member to provide an accurate reading from the circle indicia and having the central support body provided with a plurality of openings so as to be easily aligned for carrying in a notebook or the like. Also, the use of knurled nut makes the circle maker apparatus easily adjustable having the solid clamped relationship for its new and novel unique operation.

The circle maker apparatus of this invention provides a simple but rigid structure achieving continued long life due to its connecting means. Also, the circle maker apparatus of this invention is entirely safe with the use of the pencil members and other portions of the marking means, will not damage school furniture, and may easily be carries in ones pocket. More particularly, it is obvious that the marking means may be moved axially within the respective clamp members and then anchored in a given position so that the pointed end portion thereof, whether it be a ball point pen, wooden pencil, or a metal stylus, is shielded within the acurate portion of the clamp members for carrying the same without damage to ones clothing and the like.

The new and novel circle maker apparatus of this invention has numerous desirable qualities such as being solidly constructed; durable in operation; readily adjustable to any desired setting; easily secured in the selected positions; having only the length of the mark ing means limiting the size of the circular arc to be inscribed; and economical to manufacture.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this description is to illustrate the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

I claim:

given surface, comprising:

a. A pair of clamp members,

b. marking means having a pair of marking members,

said marking members having marking points,

c. connector means to releasable clamp said marking members between said clamp members whereby said marking members are pivotal about a central axis to inscribe circles of various diameters, and

(1. said clamp members of a generally circular shape having an outer arcuate chordal anchor section to receive one of said clamp members, and said arcuate chordal anchor section being of such length so as to enable clamping the marker while the clamp members cover the marking point so that said apparatus can be handled without causing harm from said pointed ends,

e. said anchor section having friction contact with respective ones of said marking members along its entire length for added rigidity requiring less effort with said connector means to adjust and clamp said marking members.

2. An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said clamp members having a central square opening and an off-set hole adjacent the outer periphery, said off-set holes are aligned when said arcuate sections of said clamp members are parallel to each other for ease of conveyance on a clip board ring.

3. An apparatus as described in claim 1, including:

a. a support body mounted between said marking members and said clamp members to permit complete rotation of said marking members, and

b. said support body having a central hole to receive said bolt member and a plurality of holes adjacent an outer periphery alignable with said off-set holes in said clamp members in order to secure said apparatus to a clip board or the like.

4. An apparatus adapted to inscribe circles on a given surface, comprising:

a. a pair of clamp members,

b. marking means having a pair of marking members,

c. connector means to releasably clamp said marking members between said clamp members whereby said marking members are pivotal about a central axis to inscribe circles of various diameters,

(1. said marking members including a scribe member and a stylus member,

e, said stylus member having a top-section, a midsection and a bottom-section, wherein the top-section and bottom-section are axially aligned and the mid-section is angularly disposed between said top and bottom-sections, said stylus member having a pointed tip on an outer end thereof,

f. said mid-section having a shoulder portion at the top of one side and the bottom of the other side to fit snugly against respective ones of said clamp members to prevent axial movement relative thereto, and

g. said mid-section formed at an angle relative to the remainder of said stylus member to place said pointed tip in the same plane as a pointed end of said scribe member for ease of usage and accuracy. 5. t 'be l 4, h a. $552531: (tifil ifist ls fiign'lterl s Stillman of the radius of said stylus member (R and said scribe member (R plus the length (L) of said stylus member as follows:

X separation of the tip and end of the scribe member and stylus member.

6. An apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein:

a. one of said clamp members having circle indicia adjacent on outer periphery, and

b. said stylus member having an arrow indicia adjacent said arcuate portion alignable with said circle indicia and operable to indicate the size of circle to be inscribed by said apparatus.

7. An apparatus as described in claim 4, including:

a. a support body mounted between said marking members and said clamp members to permit complete rotation of said marking members, and

b. said angle (Q) of said stylus member is a function of the radius of said stylus member (R and said scribe member (R plus the length (L) of said stylus member and the thickness (A) of said support body wherein:

X separation of the tip end of the scribe member and stylus member.

UNITED STATES PATENT @FFICE (I if RTE FICAT E U l (I U R R E (3T 5 U N Patent No. 3 a 683 a 505 I Dated 8-15-72 Inventor(s) Arnold R. Graef It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

ASSIGNEE: Educational Tools, Inc. 1 Wichita Kansas I Signed and sealed this 9th day of January 1973.

(SEAL)- Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCH ER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 h us. covzmmsm Pnmfluc. OFFICE: wasp-ass-su L FORM PO-1050 (10-69) 

1. An apparatus adapted to inscribe circles on a given surface, comprising: a. A pair of clamp members, b. marking means having a pair of marking members, said marking members having marking points, c. connector means to releasable clamp said marking members between said clamp members whereby said marking members are pivotal about a central axis to inscribe circles of various diameters, and d. said clamp members of a generally circular shape having an outer arcuate chordal anchor section to receive one of said clamp members, and said arcuate chordal anchor section being of such length so as to enable clamping the marker while the clamp members cover the marking point so that said apparatus can be handled without causing harm from said pointed ends, e. said anchor section having friction contact with respective ones of said marking members along its entire length for added rigidity requiring less effort with said connector means to adjust and clamp said marking members.
 2. An apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said clamp members having a central square opening and an off-set hole adjacent the outer periphery, said off-set holes are aligned when said arcuate sections of said clamp members are parallel to each other for ease of conveyance on a clip board ring.
 3. An apparatus as described in claim 1, including: a. a support body mounted between said marking members and said clamp members to permit complete rotation of said marking members, and b. said support body having a central hole to receive said bolt member and a plurality of holes adjacent an outer periphery alignable with said off-set holes in said clamp members in order to secure said apparatus to a clip board or the like.
 4. An apparatus adapted to inscribe circles on a given surface, comprising: a. a pair of clamp members, b. marking means having a pair of marking members, c. connector means to releasably clamp said marking members between said clamp members whereby said marking members are pivotal about a central axis to inscribe circles of various diameters, d. said marking members including a scribe member and a stylus member, e. said stylus member having a top-section, a mid-section and a bottom-section, wherein the top-section and bottom-section are axially aligned and the mid-section is angularly disposed between said top and bottom-sections, said stylus member having a pointed tip on an outer end thereof, f. said mid-section having a shoulder portion at the top of one side and the bottom of the other side to fit snugly against respective ones of said clamp members to prevent axial movement relative thereto, and g. said mid-section formed at an angle relative to the remainder of said stylus member to place said pointed tip in the same plane as a pointed end of said scribe member for ease of usage and accuracy.
 5. An apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein a. said angle (Q) of said stylus member is a function of the radius of said stylus member (R1) and said scribe member (R2) plus the length (L) of said stylus member as follows: X separation of the tip and end of the scribe member and stylus member. X R1 + R2
 6. An apparatus as described in claim 4, wherein: a. one of said clamp members having circle indicia adjacent on outer periphery, and b. sAid stylus member having an arrow indicia adjacent said arcuate portion alignable with said circle indicia and operable to indicate the size of circle to be inscribed by said apparatus.
 7. An apparatus as described in claim 4, including: a. a support body mounted between said marking members and said clamp members to permit complete rotation of said marking members, and b. said angle (Q) of said stylus member is a function of the radius of said stylus member (R1) and said scribe member (R2) plus the length (L) of said stylus member and the thickness (A) of said support body wherein: X separation of the tip end of the scribe member and stylus member. X R1 + R2 + A 